At a Glance
- Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as Lucasfilm president after more than a decade at the helm
- Dave Filoni becomes President and Chief Creative Officer, with Lynwen Brennan named Co-President
- Kennedy will remain involved with upcoming projects including The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter
- Why it matters: The leadership change ends months of speculation about Lucasfilm’s future direction and places a George Lucas protégé in charge of the iconic franchise
Kathleen Kennedy has announced her departure as head of Lucasfilm, ending over ten years of leadership that saw the Star Wars universe expand across film and television. The change comes after a year of industry speculation about her future with the company.
New Leadership Structure
Disney CEO Bob Iger praised Kennedy’s contributions in a press release, stating: “When we acquired Lucasfilm more than a decade ago, we knew we were bringing into the Disney family not only one of the most beloved and enduring storytelling universes ever created, but also a team of extraordinary talent led by a visionary filmmaker – someone who had been handpicked by George Lucas himself, no less. We’re deeply grateful for Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership, her vision, and her stewardship of such an iconic studio and brand.”
The restructured leadership will split responsibilities between two longtime Lucasfilm veterans:
- Dave Filoni assumes the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, overseeing creative direction
- Lynwen Brennan becomes Co-President, managing business operations and logistics
This arrangement mirrors the current structure at DC Studios, where James Gunn handles creative aspects while Peter Safran manages day-to-day operations.
Kennedy’s Legacy
Kennedy’s journey in filmmaking began as an assistant to Steven Spielberg before establishing herself as a powerhouse producer. Over nearly five decades, she produced numerous blockbuster films including Gremlins, The Goonies, Poltergeist, Back to the Future, E.T., and the Indiana Jones series.
George Lucas selected Kennedy personally to run Lucasfilm when he sold the company to Disney in 2013. Under her guidance, the franchise experienced both a cinematic revival and a streaming renaissance, bringing Star Wars content to new generations of fans.
“When George Lucas asked me to take over Lucasfilm upon his retirement, I couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead,” Kennedy said. “It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm. Their creativity and dedication have been an inspiration, and I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I’m excited to continue developing films and television with both longtime collaborators and fresh voices who represent the future of storytelling.”
Filoni’s Journey to the Top
Filoni, another George Lucas protégé, built his reputation through innovative storytelling in Star Wars animation before transitioning to live-action projects. His deep understanding of the franchise lore and characters has made him a fan favorite among the Star Wars community.
“My love of storytelling was shaped by the films of Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas,” Filoni said. “I never dreamed I would be privileged to learn the craft of filmmaking from both of them. From Rey to Grogu, Kathy has overseen the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling onscreen that we have ever seen. I am incredibly grateful to Kathy, George, Bob Iger, and Alan Bergman for their trust and the opportunity to lead Lucasfilm in this new role, doing a job I truly love. May the Force be with you.”
Currently working on the second season of Ahsoka, Filoni won’t fully transition to his new role immediately. Once he does, his creative choices for future films and series will reveal his vision for the franchise’s direction.
Transition Timeline
Kennedy will maintain oversight of several projects currently in development, ensuring continuity during the leadership transition. These projects include:
- The Mandalorian & Grogu
- Star Wars: Starfighter
- Additional unnamed productions
The timing allows for a smooth handover of responsibilities while maintaining momentum on existing commitments.
Industry Impact
This leadership change arrives at a critical moment for Lucasfilm and Disney, as streaming competition intensifies and theatrical releases face ongoing challenges. Filoni’s creative direction could signal a shift toward more interconnected storytelling across Star Wars properties, potentially building toward larger narrative arcs similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe model.
The new structure also reflects Disney’s confidence in promoting from within, rewarding executives who have demonstrated both creative vision and business acumen within the Star Wars ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Kathleen Kennedy leaves Lucasfilm after more than a decade of leadership
- Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will share presidential duties, splitting creative and business responsibilities
- Kennedy remains involved with current projects during the transition period
- The change represents a new chapter for Star Wars under leadership that understands both the franchise’s history and future potential
